Muslim leaders outraged by Tony Abbott's chiding over extremismIslamic leaders are furious at the prime minister's suggestion that the community does not do enough to stamp out extremism

Muslim leaders are furious at Tony Abbott's suggestion that the community does not do enough to stamp out extremism, saying the statement is the "last card" of an embattled leader who is using dog-whistle politics to "inflame racism".

On Monday Abbott delivered a speech on national security, in which he said: "I've often heard western leaders describe Islam as a 'religion of peace'. I wish more Muslim leaders would say that more often, and mean it."

The head of the Arab Council of Australia, Randa Kattan, said the comments were "promoting hatred and inflaming racism".